Family name, First name: Leanza, Melania
In 2019 her research activity was focused on the extraction and spectroscopic characterization (NMR and MS) of organic substances from natural sources, focusing on the recovery of waste from the agro-food industry, with a specific study concerning the antioxidant activity and enzymatic inhibition.
In 2021 she carried out a research period abroad, lasting six months, at the University of Freiburg (Germany) through the Erasmus+ program. Here she conducted research activities focusing on the synthesis of biodegradable polymers based on lignin and tannins and the optimization of the parameters for 3D printable biomaterials.
In particular, she evaluated the antioxidant and antibacterial activity, the biodegradability and the mechanical and morphological properties of the synthesized biomaterials.
During this experience, she has therefore acquired relevant knowledges on polymer characterization techniques (TGA, DSC, DMA, FTIR, Tensile Test) as well as on the interpretation and statistical analysis of experimental data.
She has also developed the ability to work in an international team by implementing problem solving and work planning skills.
Since October 2021, she is carrying out research activities at the Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials of the CNR of Catania as part of the NUSTEO project.
Specifically, the study she is conducting concerns: (i) the development of new iodophors used in the ophthalmic field, (ii) the development of analytical methods for the determination of free iodine in solution and in the gaseous phase, (iii) the production of an innovative packaging showing a barrier effect towards iodine, (iv) and the development of sensors allowing the monitoring of free iodine variations inside the container.
Moreover, she has been involved in scientific dissemination activities regarding environmental protection, bioplastics, the circular economy and recycling waste for students of all school levels.